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The annexed statement of my agency in the \ 
Fete at the village of York in 1824, is submitted ) 
to the citizens of Virginia, as containing a full and 
fair development of my concern in that affair; 
and a defence of my conduct in making the pre- 
liminary arrangements for its consummation. It 
is accompanied by the statements of several well 
known and highly esteemed citizens, who were 
impartial observers of the course pursued by me. 
This publication, I had intended should appear 
early in the month of June, but a severe illness 
has delayed it to the present time. 

ROBERT G. SCOTT, 

Jtilij 2d, 1827. 




N 



\ 






'%. 



DEFENCE. 

No one feels a higher respect for the declared public will, 
as expressed by the representatives of the people, or more 
cheerfulness in yielding on all proper occasions, a silent obe>- 
dience to their deliberate decisions, than the undersigned. 

For fourteen years, I have shared, in some degree, the con- 
fidence of a respectable portion of the people and the Legis- 
lature of this Commonwealth. In the year 1813, I first entered 
the more numerous branch of the Legislature, to which I was 
re-elected for five successive years, from the same county, 
without a serious struggle. From the House of Delegates in 
1818, I was translated by a flattering vote of both branches of 
the General Assembly, to the Executive Council, where I have 
been retained until the last session of the Legislature; when, 
it was the pleasure of the representatives of the people, to re- 
move me from that station. 

Under ordinary circumstances, I should subject myself to 
deserved censure, did I not silently submit to this determina- 
tion; but, some very peculiar and remarkable facts have at- 
tended this occurrence, which, to pass without notice or ex- 
planation, would, in future time, leave me liable to reproaches 
of the most serious nature. 

In determining, however, to make a fair and unreserved 
statement of facts to the public, and to deduce from them the 
conclusion, that injustice has been done me, I have felt the 
embarrassments under which I should labor, and the difiicul- 
ties which I should have to encounter. I know the loathing 
and disgust with which such appeals from individuals are re- 
ceived; arising from their frequency and their virulence; and, 
for this reason, the repugnance with which many give to them 
even the slightest examination. But, I have also recollected, 
that if the appeal is connected with the public concerns, and 
is made with that temper and spirit becoming the community, 
whose good opinion it is sought to retain, and is maintained 
by truth and justice, it is never made in vain. I trust that 
my fellow-citizens will be satisfied such is both the matter and 
spirit of this address. 

I shall not write to wound the feeling, or reflect on the con- 
duct of any one; my effort will be solely directed to protect my= 



self from unmerited condemnation. The public journals have 
falready informed every one, that the principal cause of my re- 
imoval from the Council, was my agency in the fete at York 
Town in October, 1824, given in honor of General La Fayette; 
and by several members of the last Legislature, I have been 
repeatedly assured, that but for this objection, the vote for my 
rejection, would have been inconsiderable. This has given to 
the feint complaints, heretofore uttered on this subject, an as- 
pect worthy of investigation. I have most deliberately and 
carefully re-viewed every act done by me in connection with 
the fete at York Town; and, before my country and Him who 
will hereafter pass in judgment on us all, I do most solemnly 
declare, that there is no event in my entire life, to which I 
can recur with more perfect satisfaction, both in reference to 
the motives which may have prompted it, and the manner in 
which it may have been executed, than to my humble efforts 
in making the preparations and arrangements for the meeting 
at York. 

I solicit the serious attention of my fellow-citizens, to the 
follovving narrative of the circumstances and motives which 
led to this event, and the means used for its attainment: 

During the winter of 1823 and 1824, rumours reached the 
United' States, that General La Fayette purposed visiting this 
country'. The rumor was sufficient to excite the freshest re- 
collections of what we owed to this distinguished benefactor 
of our country, and of the whole human family, and the 
liveliest interest and anxiety about his coming and recep- 
tion. Congress voted, that a formal invitation should be sent 
him, and that one of our ships of war should be used for his 
transportation hither. The invitation was accepted; but with 
a modesty for which he is as remarkable as for his other great 
and signal virtues, he declined coming in a ship of war, and 
preferred the more humble transportation in a merchant vessel. 
As the period for the arrival of the nation's visitor approached, 
the note of preparation to do him appropriate honor, and to 
manifest a free people's gratitude for his early and invaluable 
services, was heard from one extremity of our country to the 
other. All ages, sexes and conditions of our people, vied 
with each other in arrangements to display their affection for 
this patriot of our revolutionary struggle. The strife of party 
spirit was stilled; the contest for the high prize, of the first 
office in the nation's gift, was forgotten, to give place to 
feelings of a more ennobling and higher order. To a voluntary 
and unanimous offering of the freest and happiest people the 
world has ever seen, to the great principles on which their 
freedom is based; by bearing testimony of their united regard 



and gratitude to one who bore so important a part in the 
achievement of that freedom. No portion of the Union was 
exempt from these sentiments, and in Virginia, they were 
early and strongly manifested. 

The newspapers of the day, contained various projects for 
doing the highest and most appropriate honors to the veteran: 
and among other proposals, one suggestion seemed to receive 
the most general approbation. It was at York that the revo- 
lutionary contest of arms, between the United States and Eng- 
land, terminated; and it was on the heights of this memorable 
spot, that General La Fayette ended his chivalrous career in 
fighting for our liberty, and by his gallant conduct, made it 
alike the theatre of his glory and renown, and of oiir final 
success and triumph. After an absence of near forty years 
from our country, to receive him in the bosom of Virginia, at 
a place thus signalized, seemed a compliment of the highest 
character. Meetings were held of the volunteer companies 
of Norfolk, Petersburg, Richmond, and elsewhere, and a re- 
quest forwarded to the Governor, that he should transmit an 
invitation to General La Fayette to meet the citizens and vo- 
lunteers of the State at York on the 19th of October ensuing, 
that being the anniversary of its surrender by the British ar- 
my. The request was complied with by the Governor; and 
the invitation accepted by the General immediately after his 
arrival, which was in August, 1824. 

The place and time seemed most happily united: both were 
singularly well calculated to excite the finest feelings and most 
exhilirating recollections. It was so received, considered and 
approved, by the whole community. At this period, 1 was a 
member of the Executive Council, exempt by law from the 
performance of all military duty. But, I thought the occa- 
sion had arisen, when I should, for the advantage of the pub- 
lic, waive this exemption. There was then no organized corps 
of cavalry at the capital of the State; and I believed I fore- 
saw the necessity of one, in the approaching scenes; many 
of which could not be creditably passed through without the 
aid of cavalry. I united zealously, therefore, in common with 
others, in endeavoring to'enlist the necessary number in such 
an association, and entered it, intending to remain a private. 

In the selection of officers, however, (and against my de- 
clared wishes,) I was appointed a lieutenant, which station I 
accepted. 

In this manner I became united with the volunteers, in all 
their subsequent acts in relation to the affair at York. The 
expected celebration soon became the subject of remark, and 
of deep interest in our sister States. It was anticipated that 



Virginia would sustain her acknowledged and deserved repu- 
tation for gratitude >jnd generosity, in doing honor to her early 
friend and able defender in the darkest hour of her history; and 
that all her taste, talent and chivali-y would be displayed on 
the 19th of October The northern towns had vied with each 
other in the magnifieence and taste of the receptions given 
*'the Guest of the Nation;" and more was expected from a 
great and sovereign Commonwealth, It, therefore, soon be- 
came obvious that a considerable sum of money would be ne- 
cessary to execute any respectable and decent display in the 
reception and entertainment of General La Fayette and his 
companions at York. 

The credit of the Commonwealth, her established reputa- 
tion, her character was at hazard. To withdraw the invitation 
was to degrade her; to execute it in a style and manner infe- 
rior to the exhibitions made by some of the northern corpo- 
rations, would have been a meanness of which it was believed 
her people were incapable. The Governor and members of the 
Executive Council, felt, and maturely weighed, the embarrass- 
ing situation in which they were placed. There was no legal au- 
thority to withdraw from the public Treasury, for this purpose, 
any portion of the public means. To have done so, would have 
been an infraction of law, for which they would have been 
justly censurable. They would not distrust either the libe- 
rality or justice of the Legislature or the public, in indemni- 
fying them for any advances which, individually, they might 
make in such a conjuncture. They determined, therefore, most 
justly, neither to permit the State to be disgraced, nor to vio- 
late the law and their oaths, by an illegal and irregular appli- 
cation of the public money; but, out of their own private re- 
sources, to advance the sum required for the contemplated 
purpose, relying on the Legislature or the public to have it 
refunded. 

Not one cent was taken from the Treasury by the Executive, 
until, by a Legislative act in the ensuing session, it was au- 
thorised by law. 

Shortly after the Governor and Council determined to con- 
tribute the necessary means, I was deputed to York-Town, 
as one of the delegates from the various volunteer companies 
who had united in this undertaking, to make the necessary 
preparatory arrangements: This delegation continued in ses- 
sion one week; and, among other resolutions, the two follow- 
ing were adopted: 

" Resolved f That Mr. Ro: G. Scott be entrusted with power 
lo make any arrangements he may think proper, either civil 



or military, for the purpose of forwarding the views of this 
committee. 

" Resolved, That so much of the resolution appointing a 
committee of arrangements, as confers the power of inviting 
guests to the contemplated festival at York, on the 19th Octo- 
ber, be and the same is hereby annulled, and that that power 
be conferred on Mr Robert G. Scott. 

** Extract from the Minutes. 

''J. B. RICHARDSON, Secretary." 

It was under these resolutions, that my agency in the cele- 
bration at York-Town was executed, I resisted earnestly the 
adoption of them, and represented to several of the delegation, 
the overwhelming responsibility which they imposed on me, 
and the utter impracticability of my singly performing, to the 
satisfaction of the public, the multifarious, complicated, and to 
me novel duties which such a station would demand. The 
answer given was a short one. I was assured that the gallant 
general officer, who had undertaken to be the military leader, 
required, as a condition to his acting, that his functions should 
be confined to the military arrangements solely, and that an 
agent of the character mentioned, should be designated, and 
expressed his decided wish, for reasons which he assigned, that 
I should undertake the duty. I was told by my friends and 
associates there, that all depended on my agreeing to act" 
that to retrace our steps would be humiliating to us and dis- 
graceful to the Commonwealth. These arguments proved irre- 
sistible, and I yielded (probably, as experience has shewn, too 
hastily,) to the wishes of those around me, so strongly and 
unanimously expressed. 

Such, my fellow-citizens, were the steps by which I gra- 
dually became engaged in the celebration at York-Town; such 
my motives for embarking as the sole agent for carrying into 
effect what had been previously determined on bv others. I 
might go into more minute details on this branch of the subject, 
to place in a still stronger point of view, the perfect purity of 
my views and intentions, both of which have been so much mis- 
understood and misrepresented; but, I trust that what I have 
said, acccompanied as the statement is with the several letters 
hereto annexed, will satisfy all just and intelligent mea. 

Having undertaken this high and responsible, and unpleasant 
duty, it remains for me to shew, that it has been performed 
zealously, honestly, and \y\\h the- single purpose to promote 
the great end in view: to do honor to La Fayette, in a man- 
ner worthy of this ancient and renowned Commonwealth. 



In two hours after the adoption of the above resolutions, and 
at about three o'clock in the evening, not being able to pro- 
cure a conveyance in the stage in due season, I left York, dis- 
tant seventy-two miles from Richmond, with a gig and horse; 
and, after travelling throughout the night, reached the latter 
place the ensuing morning. I mention this incident as one con- 
nected materially with other facts, which I shall now proceed to 
state, and as evidencing my determination to devote myself to 
the purpose which I had undertaken. This was on the 25th of 
September, and the meeting was to take place on the 19th of 
October. In this short space of time, every preparation was 
to be made; not one moment was therefore to be lost; for, 
the adjoining country afforded neither workmen nor materials. 
The village of York is situated in a thinly settled country; 
and, every thing was to be taken there in about twenty-three 
days. The cities of Richmond, Norfolk and Petersburg, were 
looked to as the sources from whence materials, laborers, artists, 
provisions and furniture, down to the minutest articles, were 
to be obtained. Nay, the very field on which was located the 
redoubt, at which spot the most interesting ceremony would 
take place, was covered with wood and furrowed with gullies. 
I looked each difficulty in the face, and adopted such measures 
as I hoped would remove them. In less than five days from 
my arrival in Richmond, more than fifty laborers at fair wages, 
were at York under an active superintendent, and directed by 
an intelligent committee, engaged in doing what was essen- 
tially necessary. The number was increased from time to 
time, until it amounted to one hundred and twenty; and, with 
every exertion, the preparations were not con)pleted until two 
hours before the arrival of General La Fayette. I abandoned 
my professional engagements, and turned my clients from my 
office for more than four weeks. In this period, I dispatched 
more than three hundred letters of invitation, and other letters 
necessarily connected with the arrangements. With some of 
the officers called to command, I had to keep up a constant 
correspondence. By my solicitation, the Secretary at War 
furnished tents sufficient to cover more than 2000 persons. 
Furniture was obtained in Richmond and Petersburg, and 
transported to York, with the necessary provisions, which 
could not be obtained in the vicinity. To assist in keeping in 
proper order the accounts and vouchers of expenditure, a gen- 
tleman, of great respectability in Richmond, was engaged ; he 
disbursed every dollar, (except about the sum of three hun- 
dred dollars,) which was expended in Richmond, and has 
faithfully accounted for ever}' cent ; filing his vouchers, which 
are now in the Auditor's Office, for the inspection of the public. 



All monies at York were expended by the order of a commit*- 
tee, at the head of which was placed Major Thomas Griffin, a 
member of the last, and of the next Legislature, Their Trea- 
surer has also rendered a full and fair account of his disburse- 
ments, and his vouchers for every cent, are now also on file ia 
the Auditor's Office. For the correctness of this statement, 
the following advice of Council is given: 

*'IN COUNCIL, 1st February, 1825. 
"The Governor having submitted to the Council, An Act 
of Assembly, ' authorising the payment of a sum of money 
therein mentioned," passed 20th January, 1825: It is advised, 
in pursuance of the said Act, that the accounts of expenditures 
now in the possession of the Executive, designated L, M, and 
O, with the vouchers accompanying each of them, numbered 
from one to sixty-eight in account L, from one to six in ac- 
count M, and from one to seventy-nine in account 0, and 
which have been laid before the Legislature, together with the 
bank accounts and checks drawn by the Governor, marked P, 
he transmitted to the Auditor as evidencing expenditures in- 
curred in the reception of General La Fayette at York. 
A Copy. Teste, 

WM. H. RICHARDSON, c. c.^' 

What the result of these efforts was, is to be found in the 
exultation and pride which every high-minded and honorable 
Virginian felt at witnessing the unparalleled scene, which was 
for two days exhibited at York. Let any man take up and 
read the glowing account of this spectacle, as given in the En- 
quirer of the day of October, 1824, and if he can rise from 
its perusal, without a glow of satisfaction at belonging to a 
Commonwealth where such things were done, I envy him 
neither his head nor his heart. I have already remarked, 
every thing was to be created in the short space of about twen- 
ty-three days. The expedition and haste, then, inwhich every 
contract was necessarily to be made, would of consequence 
enhance the expense. Not like a large city, where all the 
requisites were at hand, and time could be taken, where there 
was no necessity to employ many agents, and those always 
under your control and inspection. At York, there was in fact 
nothing at hand; time cou-ld not be taken to make contracts, and 
the number of agents was great and the expense proportionate. 

What, however, under all these disadvantages, was the total 
cost to the Commonwealth ? Something more than ten thousand 
dollars. The Citi/ of New- York expended more than eighteen 
thousand. . There, every necessary and convenience was at hanti. 



10 

At York, the cost of transportation alone amounted to nearly 
one-fifth of the whole sum expended ; and provisions and hire of 
%vorkmen, constituted fully one-fifth more. Added to this, 
there was a serious loss by the removal of furniture and its 
consequent injury, and a loss of fully twenty percent, on its 
final sale. What was actually consumed, vvas in amount com- 
paratively very inconsiderable. But where, 1 pray, was the 
motive for extravagance ? where the inducement to improvi- 
dence and waste ? 

I am aware, that every error which was committed in any 
particular, has been visited on, and the fault charged against me. 
Yet, with many of the acts which have been censured, 1 had 
neither directly nor indirectly any concern. Much of the 
expenditure was directed by others; indeed, more than one 
moiety. In the outset, without any experience of the proba- 
ble cost of such an undertaking, six thousand dollars was 
imagined to be sufficient to cover the expense; and, until late 
in December, 1824, it was hoped this expectation would be 
realized, and that the sale of the property remaining on hand, 
would reimburse much of the original cost. This anticipation 
proved fallacious: the agents at York made the sale, and con- 
ducted it in a judicious manner, and the result, with all the 
necessary vouchers, was laid before the Legislature. They 
are now on file in the Auditor's Office. 

The Legislature made an apjjropriation for the payment of 
such a sum, as appeared to have been actually expended, as 
evidenced by exhibits which were laid before a committee of 
the House of Delegates and critically scanned. For, not one 
cent was an appropriation made, for which no vouchers were 
filed, even down to the smallest claim. It has beeji charged 
upon me, that by my agency in this affair, I have endeavored 
to make a handsome compensation for myself. 

There lives not on the face of this earth, a human being, 
who will dare openly to make such a charge. I know that, 
by those who delight in scandal and defamation, and who deal 
in dark insinuations and ffflse surmises, this idea has been pro- 
pagated in the manner in which slanders are usually circulated, 
by disavowing all personal knowlege of the charge, but re- 
peating that they have heard it made, when in truth it origi- 
nated in their own corrupt imaginations. To put to flight this 
base calumny, I annex the certificate of the Auditor, to prove 
that not a cent is charged in the accounts for my benefit or to 
my use, and it is entirely imaginary that I ever attempted to 
obtain a commission on the sum expended. The very oppo- 
site result has been the consequence of my agency in this af- 
fair, I have lost a considerable sum by it: For^ I could not 



11 

tolerate the idea that a just claim, growing out of any contract 
for the celebration at York-Town, should remain unsatisfied. 
Many of the claimants did not forward their demands duly au- 
thenticated, in time to be embraced in the appropriation, and 
others thought that the Legislature v/ould make a general pro- 
vision for all the claims, and remained satisfied under this sup- 
position. Finding they were not included, the claims were 
forwarded to me, as the person most generally known as the 
agent. In the outset, I determined to discharge every such 
demand, if just, out of my individual means to the last farthing. 
Accordingly, in this way, I paid more than two thousand dol- 
lars. Some of my fellow-citizens, understanding the serious 
loss I had sustained, have generously, by voluntarj^ contribu- 
tions, refunded to me a very large proportion of this amount. 
I have before stated, that only three hundred dollars was 
actually expended by me; that amount was paid to the artist, 
Mr. Warrell, and to the marine band who accompanied Gene- 
ral La Fayette from Washington City: To the former, two 
hundred dollars were paid for his services, materials, and the 
labor of assistants, and to General Harvie for the marine band, 
one hundred dollars. Vouchers for both payments are filed= 
In the execution of the authority to give invitations, I have 
been charged with invidious selections; and it has been by 
rumor attempted to prove, that in this respect, the fete was for 
the gratification of a few individuals. 

This allegation is totally unfounded. The Ex-Presidents 
and Officers of the General and State Governments, within 
striking distance of York, and Revolutionary Officers and Sol- 
diers, with one or two distinguished citizens of other States, 
and a single friend and countryman of the GeneraPs, in Rich- 
mond, constituted all the invited guests. Is it necessary for 
me to state to an enlightened reader, why this limit was placed 
on the range of invitations ? Must it not be obvious to every 
one, that the nnmber embraced by such a rule, would include 
as many as comfortable accommodations could be provided for? 
And is there an individual who would have made the rule 
more limited ? Could it with propriety have been confined to 
a less number ? It embraced only those who were compatriots 
in arms with the aged patriot, whom they were invited to 
honor by their presence; or those, whose high character in 
the estimation of the public, constituted them, for the time, the 
representatives and agents of the people. Delicacy and pro- 
priety seemed alike to forbid my appearing in any other cha- 
racter than a mere actor in the scenes at York. I encamped 
in the open field, with the corps to which I was attached, and 
performed the humble, yet Ftrust, not the less useful funotion. 



12 

of a subaltern in the cavalry company to which I belonged. 
My presence, it is true, was desired by the chairman of the 
committee of arrangements, at the meeting of General La 
Fayette on board the steam-boat; and I was selected by him 
as one of the four individuals for this duty, of which I had no 
information until the morning of the 18th October. 

I have thus endeavored to answer every surmise of com- 
plaint, which has reached me, for my conduct on this occasion. 
They are each unfounded. G-ood men have been deluded by 
them; and a few wicked and designing individuals, who have 
sought the opportunity to inflame the public mind against me, 
rejoice in the temporary success of their false and malici- 
ous imputations; none of them have had the hardihood to avow 
themselves as the authors of any one of the charges, or to give 
their insinuations a " local habitation or a name." They have 
shrunk from a manly and open enquiry; for, I court and defy 
the most jealous scrutiny into every thing connected with my 
acts in relation to this matter. 

The bitterest and most malignant enemy that I had, could 
not, with truth, venture to allege against me any official mis- 
conduct. My attendance at the Executive Board, and the 
manner in which I discharged the duties of my station there, 
afforded no pretext of complaint. It became necessary that 
other causes should be assigned, and my agency in the cele- 
bration at York was seized on as the reason which would most 
probably be satisfactory to the public for my removal.. I sub- 
mit, then, the preceding statement, with the documents which 
follow, and appeal to every impartial and high minded Vir- 
ginian, deliberately to examine them, and impartially to deter- 
mine, whether they do not contain a satisfactory refutation of 
the gross misrepresentations, which, to my injury, have been 
so industriously circulated. 

Be this decision, however, what it may, I can never forget 
the heavy debt which I owe this Commonwealth. With my 
birth place in another State, and emigrating to Virginia an 
entire stranger, I have been received, and for near 18 years, 
cherished with a kindness very much above my humble pre- 
tensions. Whatever in future time may be my destiny, whe- 
ther adverse or propitious, I shall ever feel, that to this liberal 
and kind Commonwealth, I stand debtor, to an extent which 
no service, no devotion, can ever discharge. 

ROBERT G, SCOTT. 
Richmond, July 2d, 1827. 



13 



The following letter from Gen. Taylor, exhibits, in strong 
and true colors, the hopeless condition of affairs at York on the 
25th of Septennber, 1824; and the letters of Governor Plea- 
sants, Gen. Harvie, Mr. Ritchie, Major Griffin, Col. Peyton, 
Mr. J. H. Pleasants, Capt. Nelson and Mr. Lyons, prove how 
the Commonwealth was redeemed from disgrace. Following 
these, is the letter of Mr. Heath, Auditor of Public Accounts. 



No. 1. 

York-Town, Sept. 25th, 1824. 

Sir— ^The delegates from the board of officers, unapprised, 
perhaps, of. my having declined their offer of the command 
through you, renewed it from this place. I declined it, and 
sent to them a copy of my letter to you, explaining my views. 
The request was renewed; and I still declined; but the embar- 
rassing situation as to themselves and me, induced me, on a 
reiteration of it, to yield to their application, against all the 
convictions of my judgment. I have, accordingly, come to 
York prepared to submit to any personal sacrifice, and to ap- 
ply every faculty of my mind and body to the execution of the 
views of the volunteer corps. 

Sir, the reality outstrips all my most gloomy anticipations of 
the want of preparation. Behold the terrifying picture faith- 
fully traced by the hand of truth. 

As to the civic exhibitions, , and arrangements for the 

amusement and gratification of the General, and the numerous 
persons who will assemble to greet him, not only has nothing 
been done, but nothing has even been conceived or projected. 
I find a numerous committee of arrangements appointed, dis- 
persed at different places, from Norfolk to Richmond, and that 
the number of five was needful to adopt and execute plans. 
To say nothing of the difficulty of executing any plan, in the 
short time now allowed, (even if it was matured in all details, 
and the materials and workmen were on the spot,) you will per- 
ceive how much time will be lost in convening the committee 
to determine what is to be done. It is, therefore, to be feared 
nothing will be attained as to civic exhibition or amusement. 

For the personal accommodation of General La Fayette, 
and the invited guests (from 150 to 200) to say nothing of the 
numerous distinguished strangers who may be expected here, 
and for whom some provision must be made, only two houses 
have been taken. They are large and commodious. If the 
occasion furnishes an excuse for putting any other persons be- 
sides Gen. La Fayette;, and his own suite into ong house, com- 



14 

tnon decency requires, that only a (ew should be billeted up- 
on him; and those, our most venerable and distinguished men, 
the companions of his military operations, or his participators 
in council. Mr, Jefferson, Mr. Madison, Mr Marshall, and 
a few others, might possibly be thus provided for. The other 
house only remains; and the whole scheme of preparation 
comprehends, I think, less than twenty beds for all these 
guests. On my suggesting the absolute inadequacy of these 
preparations, and the necessity of getting more houses, and 
preparing greater accommodation. Major Griffin of this place 
assures us, that efforts have been made, and that another house 
cannot be had. I do not know how many dwelling-houses are 
in York; my belief is, that 200 persons cannot possibly obtain 
accommodation in the whole village, taverns included; but, 
others must obtain it, as thej'' can, in the open air; in booths, 
which individuals may erect on speculation; in the surround- 
ing country, very sparsely peopled, and in Williamsburg, dis- 
tant twelve miles. Since my original letter was written, my 
impressions have been confirmed by two or three citizens of 
York, who state that there are but 18 dwelling houses in it: 
and that my calculation of the capability of the accommoda- 
tion is as liberal, or more so, than the fact warrants. None of 
the furniture, &c. has yet been obtained-; but, from Mr. Scott's 
representation, there is no doubt that it may be obtained at 
Richmond. I have no direct responsibility as to these mat- 
ters, my duty being expressly limited to the troops; but this 
statement was needful to the object of this letter. 

Our military preparations are in a worse state, if possible. 
As to the enlarged plan of operation, and the fire-works I once 
contemplated, they are now totally out of the question; for, 
the want of time to prepare the latter, and troops and means 
to execute the former. We are^, therefore, looking only to 
decency, instead of display. 

'The number of troops to be here, is yet unascertained, and 
altogether conjectural. But, from the estimate, prepared by 
the officers at my request, (including three companies not re- 
presented at this meeting,) it stands thus: Infantry, 560; 
Artillery, 50; Rifle, 160; Cavalry, 245; total, 965. I need 
not say to you, that for the line of sentinels to protect our pa- 
rade from intrusion, for guards, &c. &c. a considerable number 
will be employed; so that we cannot expect to have in the field 
more than 520 infantry, that is one battalion, half a regiment. 

The establishment for this force, which requires at most, a 
Lieutenant -Colonel only^ is to be one Major General, two 
Brigadier Generals, four Colonels, four Lieutenant-Colonels 
and four Majors, and their respective staffs. 



15 

Nothing has yet been done for lodging the troops. But, on 
this subject, (which is under the management of the committee 
of arrangements,) it is believed we shall have no disappoint- 
ment. Eight or ten companies will bring tents; some others 
are expected from Washington ; and though materials and work- 
men are not on the spot, it is thought by the officers here, that 
such arrangements are now in train as will admit a commence- 
menf next weekj and when completed, will cover three thou- 
sand men. 

' Of artillery, none is known of, or provided, but the two 
pieces of the Richmond company, and two additional pieces 
which they can furnish. 

Such, sir, is the real state of things. We should contem- 
plate them as they are. I present them, not to discourage, but 
to animate exertion. 'Tis too late to look back: we must go 
forward, at every hazard; my personal mortification and hu- 
miliation I now reckon as nothing; but, I conjure you, for the 
sake of the military character of the State; I entreat you for the 
sake of Virginia, if any thing can be done, let it be done 
efficaciously and promptly. Delay or indecision now, can- 
not be remedied hereafter. I know not how to advise, or 
what recommend, if I may be excused for doing either. I did 
believe, some weeks ago, that if direct official cou7ite7iance 
were given by the Executive, all these objects might have 
been obtained. I was, indeed, aware of the embarrassment 
of the Executive, their scrupulous regard for law, and their 
commendable reluctance to trench on it, under any pretext. 
But, I think there was no need of that. If the Adjutant Ge- 
neral had intimated in the papers a tvish, instead of giving an 
order from the Governor, that all the light corps, naming 
them,, within striking distance, and certain selected officers, 
naming them also, should be on the field some days before 
the 19th, the wish would have been as promptly acted on as 
though it had been an order. 

The volunteer corps want no order to do whatever will con- 
tribute to the dignity of the State: it is enough for them to be 
told, that it is believed their services are wanted. Heretofore, 
they never have waited for the mandate of the law: they would 
now take counsel only from their devotion to Virginia and 
their veneration for the guest of the nation. I would still 
recommend this course, but for one consideration, which pain^ 
fully presses on me. At this late hour, would it be effectual ? 
If not, will not the failure be rendered more mortifying to the 
State; as the fete, which has hitherto been an affair of private 
voluntary association, would then assume the air of a State 
measure. You and others, better qualified than I pretend to 



16 

be, must decide on this: but, if it be adopted, preparation 
should be made immediately to execute the plan: to conduct 
here the necessary Artillery ammunition, &ic. &ic. and some 
officer should take on him that department, as acting chief of 
the ordnance. Captain Rutherfoord, I am told, is eminently 
qualified for that duty; if additional men be needful for his 
Artillery when here, I could augment it by draft from the 
line, if the new arrangement should not supply the deficiency 
in Artillery. The troops should be here as long before the 19th 
as possible, under no circumstances under four or five days. 

As to civic arrangements of taste, amusement or gratifica- 
tion, I see no remedy but one. Let them be devised at Rich- 
mond; let skilful and proper persons be appointed and paid y 
if needful.^ to come down and execute them; co-operating 
here with those whom the officers have appointed as a com- 
mittee of arrangement. Above all, let not one instant be lost 
in doing it, if it be deemed proper to do it at all. From the 
known energy and public spirit of Col. Harvie, who is one of 
the committee of arrangement appointed by the corps, it is 
believed his aid might be obtained to superintend the execution. 

I rely on your goodness to pardon this free communication; 
I make it with an aching heart, and after a sleepless night. If 
I know myself, you cannot disapprove of the feelings which 
dictate it. I am encouraged to write, as Mr. Scott promises 
me, should you condemn its freedom, he will reconcile you 
to my motives. 

If the object can be attained, command me in all things; 
but, if nothing be attainable, at least contrive to temper the 
public expectation, and prepare them gradually to expect less 
than the newspapers have promised. As to me, I quaff the 
draught of mortification to the dregs if needful, if you will 
only throw a veil over the failure of the corps and of the State. 

This letter is confidential to you, and those you may deem 
it proper to consult, but let nothing of it be known, which can 
possibly diminish the zeal which is already too languid and 
slow in its circulation. 

I am, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

ROBERT 33. TAYLOR. 

James Pleasants, Jr. Esq. 

Richmond. 



17 

No. 2. 

Goochland, 30th June, 1827. 
Dear Sir, 

An absence of several days from home, has pre- 
vented my answering your letter of the 23d instant, as early 
as I should otherwise have done. I do most unequivocally 
believe, that the motives by which you were actuated in 
your conduct in the management of the festival given to Ge- 
neral La Fayette at York-Town, in October, 1824, were of a 
character entirely patriotic and disinterested. The difficulties 
you had to encounter were such, it was wonderful you were 
able to surmount them in the way you did. I have often 
wished, that our fellow-citizens generally could have fully 
known our situation; the anxieties we felt for what we thought 
the credit and character of our good old State; the expectations 
raised in the other States, as reported in all the news-papers; 
the fears that a disappointment of the most cruel character 
might take place; the numerous applications from different 
quarters of the Commonwealth, earnestly entreating that such 
might not be the result, if practicable to avoid it; all these con- 
siderations, and numberless others which need not to be men- 
tioned, were calculated to produce, and did produce a state of 
feeling, which I will not undertake to describe. I did then, 
and do now believe, that but for your great exertions, or those 
of some other man who would have acted with equal energy, 
an entire abortion would have been the result. As it was, the 
exhibition was of such a character^ that several persons who 
had witnessed all that had been done as far as New- York, and 
who were well qualified to judge, told me, that, taking in the 
theatre of display (the plains of York) the associations it was 
calculated to produce, and did most powerfully produce, they 
had witnessed nothing of half the impressive effect they felt 
at York. I have often wished it had been practicable for every 
man, woman and child of seven years old in the State, to have 
witnessed the scene; the political and moral effect would have 
been of the most beneficial character I do believe. I never 
was at York before, and though at a time of life, when impres- 
sions, partaking of enthusiasm, are not as vivid as at some other 
periods, I confess my feelings were of a character, the like of 
which I had never before experienced. 

Your friend sincerely, 

JAMES PLEASANTS. 
Robert G. Scott, Esq. 

Richmond^ 
3 



18 



No. 3. 

June 30, 1827. 
Dear Sir, 

It gives me great pleasure to state my impressions of 
your conduct at the fete of York-Town. Circumstances gave 
me a full opportunity of knowing the difficulties which were to 
be encountered on that occasion, and the generous ardour 
which you displayed from the beginning to the end. 

The eyes of the whole country had been fixed upon York- 
Town. The friend of the U. Slates, in those times which had 
"tried men's souls," had been invited to the U. States by the 
authorities of the nation, and received with universal acclama- 
tion. Wherever he moved, the arms of our citizens were 
Open to him; and no circumstance was wanting to do him 
honor. The most populous cities of the North had put forth 
all their resources to grace his reception. But, when he was 
invited to York-Town, almost every thing was wanting to 
make out the celebration. We wanted money, concert, every 
sort of arrangement. A general alarm was spread, lest the 
celebration should go off in the most wretched manner; and 
that it should fall so far short of the exhibitions to the North, 
that Virginia would feel herself eclipsed, if not disgraced. 

At this painful moment of suspense, the committee at York- 
Town placed the most important arrangements at your discre- 
tion. I know with what untiring zeal you devoted yourself 
to the service; how your private business was neglected: how 
you were compelled to leave your family at a moment when 
its health required your presence. I know how you risked 
your pecuniary resources, and your reputation itself, in a cause 
in which your whole soul was embarked. I shall never for- 
get the respect and gratitude with which your whole conduct 
inspired me on that memorable occasion; nor, have I ever he- 
sitated to say, that if the 1 9th of October was a day of joy and of 
triumph to Virginia, instead of a day of humiliation, you were 
the individual, to whom, much more than to any other man, 
she was indebted for the honor which she then won, by her 
impressive reception of our distinguished guest. I sincerely 
regret, that any persons should have taken up any other im- 
pression to your prejudice; but, I cannot help ascribing it to 
their being unacquainted with the circumstances which fell 
within the knowledge of your friends at that time. 

I am, respectfully your's, 

THOMAS RITCHIE. 
Robert G. Scott, Esq. 



No. 4. 

Richmond, June 27, 1827. 



Mr 



I have just received your letter of the 23d instant, in- 
forming me of your intention shortly to lay before the public 
a justification of your conduct relative to the York-Town fete, 
and requesting my opinion as to your conduct upon that occa- 
sion. It is true, as you remark, that I had a very good oppor- 
tunity of judging of it; and it affords me very great pleasure 
to say, that throughout the whole business, (so far as I could 
judge,) that you were actuated by the most patriotic, honorable 
and .praiseworthy motives; that you encountered a degree of 
trouble, fatigue and pecuniary responsibility, which I believe 
no other individual in the State would have undertaken. I 
know that after you returned from York Town, where you at- 
tended as an officer of the Richmond Fayette Guards, delega- 
ted by them to meet a committee of officers of the Volunteer 
companies from the borough of Norfolk, the town of Peters= 
burg, and the city of Richmond, and elsewhere, who invested 
you with plenary powers to make the necessary arrangements 
for the reception of General La Fayette, that you exerted 
yourself to the utmost to forward, with all possible dispatch, 
the necessary preparations for the approaching celebration; that 
you not only gave your personal attention, but that you spared 
neither time nor trouble, nor money of your own, to make the 
reception such as should do honor to the Nation's Guest, and 
to the State; and that you failed to attend to some cause in one 
of your courts, in an adjoining county, of considerable conse- 
quence, whereby you lost, as I understood, a considerable fee, 
rather than neglect the arduous and responsible duty which 
had been pressed upon you. You had not only to superintend 
and direct the procurement of all the articles which were for- 
warded from this place, and consequently to assume the re- 
sponsibility of paying for them, but you had to direct, that ar- 
rangements which were suggested by some gentlemen in Nor- 
folk, actuated by the same patriotic zeal as yourself upon the 
occasion, should be carried into effect, the expense of some of 
which you have had to pay out of your own pocket, notwith- 
standing the many base slanders which have been circulated 
against you. I can with truth say, that in my estimation no 
man's conduct could have been more praiseworthy than your'Sj 
and that no man ever met with a more ungenerous return. 
Ought it to be wondered at, that more profusion and extrava- 
gance took place, than might haye been ©xpectedj when it is 



20 

recollected, that almost every article of bedding and of provi- 
sions, and even of water, for the accommodation of the guests 
who were invited, as I believe, by direction of the committee at 
York, had to be sent from this place and Norfolk; and that you 
could not, even if you had made the attempt, have exercised that 
degree of economy which might have been practised, if time 
and leisure would have admitted. Every thing was bustle and 
hurry to get ready for the arrival of General La Fayette, and 
from the various and arduous duties you had to perform, I say 
it was entirely out of your power to control the expenditure, 
if you would. You have been most unjustly censured for ma- 
ny things which occurred at York with which you had nothing 
to do, and it is absolutely certain, that after all the trouble and 
fatigue, and responsibility, which you had encountered, that 
you partook of none of the honors or pleasures at York; for, I 
jjelieve they were very uncourteously taken out of your hands, 
and that you remained in camp with your troop, partaking of 
the same rough fare with your brother volunteers, which was 
bad enough, God knows. I believe, most honestly and truly, 
that j^our conduct through the whole business was most honor- 
able to yourself, and that to your exertions mainly, was it ow- 
ing, that the reception of General La Fayette at York was such 
as to have done honor to him and to the whole State. If there 
should be any particular circumstance upon which I have not 
touched, if you will make it known to me, I will, as far as I 
understand it, cheerfully give you my opinion upon it. 
I am, dear Sir^ 

Your friend, 

J. B. HARVIE. 

Robert G. Scott, Esq. 

— ©O^— 

No. 5. 

YoRK-TowN, Va. April 18th, 1827. 
Mr GOOD Sir, 

I was much surprised when I reached Richmond 
last winter, to learn that your agency In effecting the festival 
at this place, on the 19th October, 1834, had been objected to, 
and made a ground of your removal from the Council of State. 
If I recollect right, the agency you assumed on that occasion, 
was at the request and urgent solicitations of the meeting of 
the deputies convened from various parts of the State, for the 



21 

purpose of making proper, definitive arrana;ements for the 
reception of General La Fayette; and the commemoration of 
the capture of the British army, under the command of General 
Earl Cornwallis, in 1781. It was foreseen, that most of the 
necessary supplies and aid must come from Richmond; an ac- 
tive and zealous agent was necessary there. It was believed, 
that a member or members of the Executive Council would 
be proper agents, particularly, as the Governor of Virginia 
had invited Gen. La Fayette to meet the citizensjof the State 
at York Town. Your zeal and ardent vvishes, that the festival 
should be conducted in a manner suited to the occasion, and the 
character and dignity of the State, were known; and your 
assistance specially solicited. You consented from the purest 
motives, to aid those other persons who might be selected 
to,further the goodly work; and to your zeal and activity, are 
principally owing the success and eclat, with which the cele- 
bration passed off. Having myself no small share in arranging 
and hastening the preparations for that event, (for you will 
recollect that my exertions and exposure subjected me to a 
severe bilious attack,) I had a fair opportunity of knowing the 
value of your services; and I have no hesitation now, nor have 
I ever had, in saying, that without the aid rendered by you, 
the festival never would have taken place; though the honor 
of Virginia was committed upon it, I then, and still consider, 
your motives for the aid and assistance you rendered to the 
several committees appointed to carry into execution the then 
supposed wishes of the good people of Virginia, expressed 
through their Chief Magistrate, sprung from the purest patriot- 
ism, and anxious desire to preserve the character of the State 
from i^eproach or censure. The period between the day of 
the meeting of the deputies and the day fixed for the festival^ 
was not quite four weeks. JVIuch was to be done; the utmost 
activity was requisite to mature and complete the preparations 
for the festival, both within the village of York, and on the 
field selected for the ceremonies; and in you, we found that 
activity and cheerful co-operation. As chairman of the com- 
mittee, on whom devolved the most arduous of the duties per- 
taining to this event, I can with truth attest to your unremitted 
exertions and anxious solicitude for a happy conclusion of the 
fete; and I have now on file, many letters written during the 
period of preparation, shewing the fervor with which you en- 
gaged in this business, and your great anxiety that it should 
be so conducted as the dignity and reputation of the State de- 
manded. These, I believe, vyere the impressions of all the 
members of the committee of preparations; for, no other senti- 
ment have I ever heard expressed by any one of them. I beg 



22 

leave to tender this letter, as an act of justice strictly due to 
ydur exertions and your motives. 

I pray you to accept the assurances of respect. 

TH: GRIFFIN. 
Robert G. Scott, Esq. 

Hichmond. 



No. 6. 

Richmond, July 6th, 1837c 
Robert G. Scott, Esq. 

Dear Sir — In consequence of my absence from town, 
your letter of the 23d ultimo, was not received until the 3d in- 
stant, which must be my apology for the delay of my answer. 
I have never, for one moment, doubted the purity and 
patriotism of the motives which induced you to undertake the 
agency of the York Town celebration, in honor of the Na- 
tion^ Guest, on the 19th October, 1824, and have always con- 
sidered it a matter of surprise and wonder, that the arrange- 
ments were so well conducted, under the circumstances of the 
case, and that it eventuated in any thing but disgrace to the 
State of Virginia, and the deepest mortification to all concerned; 
and that it did not thus eventuate, I do most conscientiously 
believe, is almost entirely to be ascribed to your unwearied 
assiduity and perseverance on the occasion. It was a situation 
of great labour and responsibility, and there were few men 
who would have encountered th^m; or who, in my opinion, 
would have, or could have discharged the various and arduous 
duties assigned you, more successfully than you did. You 
several times, I believe, went from this place to York, to assist 
in the arrangements there; and here, superintended the em- 
ployment of mechanics and the purchase of materials to be for- 
warded to York. And after all these labours, when the troop 
of cavalry, which I had the honor to command, was ready to 
take up its line of march, you preceded it one day, making 
the necessary arrangements for its comfort on the march, and 
its accommodation on its arrival at York; and also, for its en- 
campment on the field during its stay. When we reached 
York, you joined us and performed all the duties required of 
you as the third officer of the troop, and continued in the dis- 
charge of those duties until the departure of our friend and 
benefactor, General La Fayette, from the city of Richmond. 



23 

Whenever I have heard you censured on account of this 
celebration, I have exceedingly regretted it, because I have 
always believed it an act of injustice, and have so said; and 
I have no doubt, that when the subject is coolly and dispas- 
sionately examined, that the public mind will be satisfied that 
every thing was done that could be done, and that the agents 
acted honestly and with a single eye to the honor and dignity 
of the State, which they valued above all other considerations. 
Respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

THOMAS NELSON. 



No. 1. 

Richmond, 2d July, 1827. 
Dear Sir, 

Your favor of the 23d ult. has been received, and 
I am pleased to learn by it, that you propose to furnish the 
public with an expose of your agency in the York-Town fete, 
in 1824, heretofore so much inisunderstood, and in relation to 
which I have always thought great injustice has been done 
you. When the facts are properly explained and comprehen- 
ded, I am well assured you will not only be exonerated from 
all censure, but receive (as you are undoubtedly entitled to) 
the homage of public gratitude, for the extraordinary zeal, en- 
ergy and disinterestedness with which you performed the la- 
borious and perplexing duties of the station assigned you by 
the Executive, and the volunteers associated on that occasion 
— encountering heavy personal responsibilities, which would 
have deterred the less ardent and patriotic, and without which 
it is probable Virginia would have experienced the humiliati- 
on and dishonor of a total failure, after General La Fayette 
had accepted an invitation, given by the Executive of the 
State. 

I had an opportunity of observing your conduct prior to, 
and during the festival at York, and have pleasure in saying, 
it entitled you to my unqualified approbation, and not the less 
so, by observing a total disregard and sacrifice of personal 
distinction and gratification, at all times, to promote it in 
others. 



24 

Truth and justice are powerful, and must ultimately prevail; 
you need no other vindication. 
With sincere regard, 
Dear Sir, 

Your's very truly, 



BERNARD PEYTON. 



To Robert G. Scott, Esq. 

Present. 



No. 8. 

Richmond, 2d July, 1827. 
Dear Sir, 

Your absence at Hanover Court, during the past 
week, occasioned me to defer answering your favor of the 
23d ult. until your return. 

I warmly approve of your determination to a'ddress the pub= 
lie on the subject of your agency in the York-Town fete in 
1824. I have always considered the dissatisfaction of a por- 
tion of the public, with your conduct on that occasion, the 
most singular act of public injustice towards an individual, 
that has ever fallen under my observation. This must have 
resulted from ignorance of circumstances; and as I have un- 
shaken faith both in the rectitude and benevolence of the col- 
lective public mind, I am fully persuaded that were it in full 
possession of the facts, it would hasten to render you full and 
Entire, though retarded justice. With these feelings, it gives 
me pleasure to state, " what, in my opinion, were the motives 
which prompted you to undertake the agency on that occasion, 
and the fidelity and zeal with which it was performed." 

I was one of the citizens of Richmond who obeyed a public 
summons to attend at the Capitol, for the purpose of responding 
to the proposal originated in Norfolk, that General La Fayette 
should be received on the field of York-Town, the scene of the 
most remarkable event of the revolutionary war, and of his 
most distinguished services in the cause of our liberty. But 
one motive of gratitude to our benefactor, and desire that Vir- 
o-inia should not be surpassed by her sister States, in testimo- 
nials of that gratitude, inspired us all. No man expected or 
wished reward for his zeal; all were ready to encounter per- 
sonal sacrifices to accomplish the common purpose. The idea 
of receiving General La Fayette at York-Town, was univer- 
sally considered most appropriate and happy, and was enthu= 



25 

siastically embraced by all classes of the community. We 
did not stop to count the cost, or to weigh the ditBcuIties of 
preparation. The invitation was given and accepted, and the 
anniversary of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis (then not a 
distant day) fixed upon for receiving Ceneral La Fayette. 
When it was too late to retract, the difficulties of the enter- 
prize were for the first time seen and felt. Every thing was 
wanted at York-Town, even the means of rendering the recep- 
tion of our guest comfortable, much more of making it splen- 
did and worthy of the expectation excited throughout the 
Union. Houses were to be prepared and furnished, stores to 
be transported from a great distance, and there was no system 
or organization. Time pressed, and the public who had hailed 
the design with so much applause and enthusiasm in the begin- 
ning, now anticipated from it nothing but mortification and dis- 
grace. Under these despondent circumstances, the Executive 
interfered, and you became the agent of its acts. The aspect 
of affairs quickly changed under your active superintendence. 
Those who were concerned in the preparations were assigned 
their places and duties, organization succeeded chaos, and the 
fete went off, if not to the satisfaction of all present, at least 
to the satisfaction of most, and to the admiration of guests and 
spectators from oth^ States. 

The true point of view in which this transaction ought to 
be considered, is, not if every thing was done that ought to 
have been done, but if it would not have been a total abortion 
without your agency. It would have been strange, indeed, if 
every thing had been done with such means and such notice, 
that might have beeii done, with better means, more experi- 
ence, and longer notice,; and it would have been stranger still, 
if every man had returned satisfied, from such a place. Those 
who find fault, forget the numberless difficulties that you had 
to encounter, while perhaps they too keenly remember their 
own petty inconveniences and disappointments. From all 
that I saw at the time, from all that I heard, and I heard muchj 
I do not hesitate to say, that the design would have fallen 
through without your superintendence. I was not at York; 
but I witnessed in this place enough of your indefatigable in^ 
dustry and devotion, to confirm what I heard from numerous 
quarters, that we were indebted to your exertions for the suc- 
cessful conelu^on of the celebration. I for one, was grateful 
for your services, and that was the general feeling of the circle 
in which I moved. ^ 

As for your motives, they can be known only to God and 
yourself; but, as far as they can be inferred from acts and from 
personal sacrifices, they were honorable and public-spirited: I 

4 



26 

firmly belifeve them to have been the most exalted and dism= 
terested. I cannot conclude without expressing my warm and 
confident hope, that the appeal you are about to make to public 
justice, will eventuate in the complete re-instatement of that 
portion of public approbation, most unjustly withdrawn from 
you. To doubt this, were to doubt either the capacity of the 
public to understand. Or their willingness to do justice. 
With regard, 

Your friend and servant, 

JNO. HAMBDEN PLEASANTS. 
RoBEBT G. Scott, Esq. 

Present > 



_ '. No. 9. 

Richmond, July 3d, 1827. 
Dear Sir, 

In compliance with your request of the 23d June, 
I take much pleasure in committing to paper my recollections 
of the circumstances of the glorious, and^et unfortunate cele- 
bration of the 19th October, 1824. Glorious from the cause 
which moved, the feelings it excited, and the spectacle it exhi- 
bited, but unfortunate in some of its consequences and effects,- 
especially, in its effect upon you. 

You ask my ^^ opinion'''' of your motives: to give that 
merely, would be unjust and uncandid; because, I think I knoio 
what those motives were. I state unhesitatingly, then, that 
from constant and intimate intercourse with you upon the 
subject of the celebration, from your acts in relation to it, 
and the manner of those acts, your only governing motives 
were, gratitude to General La Fayette, and the deepest anxiety 
for the honor and pride of Virginia. 

To me, who heard you so often express your feelings and 
views, who witnessed the painful anxiety with which you 
watched the progress of the preparations, and the laborious 
slavery \vhich you underwent for many weeks in utter disre- 
gard of private and professional concerns, it has alwaj^s been a 
matter of inexpressible surprise that you should have received 
aught but good will, and excited any other feeling than grati- 
tude. That some things should go wrong upon such an occa- 
sion, could not but be expected; that ill-blood should be excited 
because th^y did go wrong, is strange: but, that all that was 
wrong, should be attributed to, and all the unkind feeling pro-= 



27 

duced by it, vented upon you, was to me most strange. I 
cannot say much of what took place at York, except in the 
encampment; for, I never saw the interior of the village ex- 
cept under arms; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, you were 
very generally in the camp with us. That you were, very fre- 
quently, I know, and in discharging your duties as second 
lieutenant of the corps to which I belonged. 

Of the zeal with which you executed the duties assigned 
you in preparing for York, I know not how to speak; for, if 
I spoke justly according to my belief, I should perhaps be 
charged with extravagance, or it might be said it was the par- 
tiality of a friend. The facts, that this celebration was to take 
place in a deserted village, seventy miles from the principal 
point of supply; that but twenty-three days were allowed for 
the preparation; that an extensive correspondence requiring 
personal labor, was necessarily opened; that there was but one 
directing and controlling agent whose contracts were to be 
made on credit; and that, nevertheless, the denouement veiy 
nearly equalled the most sanguine expectations, seem to me to 
speak more loudly than words can do, for the devotion and 
ability of the agent. I do not believe that another could have 
been found who would have encountered and performed all 
you did, without any reward but the approbation of your own 
conscience, and it was to be hoped, the approbation of your 
fellow-citizens. I may be thought extravagant, but I consci- 
entiously believe that I am right, and that not one-tenth of 
those who have heard of the "York-Town affair," have any 
thing like a correct idea of the mental anxiety you experienced, 
and that other men who could feel, would have experienced, 
similarly situated. Let any man but answer to himself one or 
two very natural questions, questions which any man underta- 
king the agency, must have put to himself, and he will at once 
perceive the fearful anxiety the answer excites. Suppose that 
the celebration goes off heavily and unpleasantly, who will be 
blamed ? Why, he who has undertaken that it should go off 
well. Suppose W. fails ^ occasioning mortification and disgrace 
to the State, who will be denounced and execrated ? Why, he 
who has undertaken to prepare and direct it. No man but 
would have shuddered at the thought of exposing himself to 
such consequences; nothing but enthusiasm could have disre- 
garded them. 

It has been said, or barely insinuated, that you were govern- 
ed by a pecuniary motive, as I have been informed; as rumor, 
indeed, proclaimed. The man who suggested the idea, must 
have a head and heart not to be envied. It is in my power, 
however^ to state/ that the assertion is utterly false, and I have 



28 

much pleasure in doing so; as it has come within my know- 
lege, (as it has of others,) that S 1500, or thereabout, have been 
raised by voluntary subscription, to reimburse you for money 
paid out of your own funds, leaving you still several hundred 
dollars in advance. 

You are at liberty to use this statement as you please. I 
have thought, and still think, that very gross injustice has been 
done you in this matter, and cannot but feel pleasure in having 
it in my power to assist in removing the cloud which malice 
or envy may have thrown around you. 
Very truly your friend, 

JAMES LYONS, Jk. 



No. 10. 

Auditor's Ofjfice, July 2, 1827. 
Deak Sir, 

I have duly received your letter of the 23d ultimo, 
wherein you request me to examine the accounts and vouchers 
filed in this Office in support of the expenditure at York-Town, 
and to state whether there is any charge made, or any attempt 
at a charge, in such accounts and vouchers, for commissions or 
compensation to you in any form. 

In compliance with your request, I have examined parti- 
cularly all the papers deposited in this Office, touching the 
said expenditure; and I can find no charge made, or attempted 
to be made, for commissions or compensation, to you in any 
form whatsoever, for your services on that occasion. 
I am, very respectfully, 
Yours, &£c. 

JAMES E. HEATH, 

Auditor Pub, AccUs. 
Ro: G. Scott, Esq. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 440 232 7. 



